"Examining another of the countless modes in which contemporary art is operating, In a Pictorial Framework consists of five installation works by six artists. As a product of and commentary on the society from which it comes, these works reflect and respond to an intensity of activity and experience and an all-encompassing way of coping with contemporary existence. The work evolves not from any single visual or performing art discipline but from the junctures of painting, sculpture, photography, film, dance, music, performance, as these disciplines have expanded, touched, or crossed previous boundaries and established new issues, combinations, or forms. The content of each piece . . . involves private fantasy, and/or ritual on some level and communicates to the emotions as well as the mind of the viewer." - Kathleen Thomas

“In a Pictorial Framework” catalogue. “Five consecutive exhibitions taking place throughout the summer months at The New Museum examine the variety of modes in which contemporary artists are working. The pieces shown here are complex, impermanent, and unwieldy installations, for the most part designed and executed especially for the exhibition, and—in the case of Gunderson Clark—accompanied by performances scheduled at regular intervals throughout the period of the installation. The content of each installation is idiosyncratic, involving fantasy or ritual and communicates to the emotions as well as the mind of the viewer. In each case, two and three-dimensional elements are arranged in architectural spaces which in some way dictate the viewpoint of the spectators. Finley Fryer’s The Cat Band invites the viewer to wander through the stained glass entrance and among the painted plaster ‘performers.’ Likewise, Phyllis Bramson’s series of wall-to-floor tableaux Myths of Inspiration allows the viewer to explore the literal and mental spaces of her work. Dave Saunders’ Scope employs literal and depicted images as allegories. Story Mann in PossumHead, psychologically intimidates his audience using dramatic film of a burning house and a video documentation of a pit bull dog fight. Bruce Gunderson and Robert Clark, in a performance entitled Dagar Ane, combine ambiguous movement and sound in a cryptic, elaborate structure.” - from The New Museum Press Release